Claims:
1. A locking mechanism linkage (4) diametrically mounted on at least one rotational shaft (1) of a circuit breaker, wherein the locking mechanism linkage (4), upon travel rotation of the at least one rotational shaft (1) above a defined limit, is adapted to mechanically restrict movement of at least one knob (18, 24) of the circuit breaker using at least one stopper surface (42) provided over a length on a surface of the locking mechanism linkage (4).

2. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper surface (42) comprises at least one protrusion (41) on its extreme limits to mechanically restrict movement of the at least one knob (18, 24).

3. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper surface (42) is a flat surface, the locking mechanism linkage (4) restricts movement of the at least one knob (18, 24) when the flat surface of the at least one stopper surface (42) is in contact with at least a surface of the at least one rotational shaft (1).

4. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism linkage (4) comprises a first end and a second end separated by a pre-determined distance.

5. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism linkage (4) is mounted on the at least one rotational shaft (1) by passing at least one pin through each of one or more holes (43, 44) provided on each of said first end and said second end.

6. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper surface (43, 44), upon over travel rotation of the at least one rotational shaft (1), attains a contact with the knob (18, 24) to restrict the movement of the knob (18, 24).

7. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob is placed over a fork of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker and the knob is projected outwards from a housing of the circuit breaker.

8. The locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob comprises a stopper surface to restrict lifting of the knob.

9. A circuit breaker having one or more poles, the circuit breaker comprising:
a plurality of linkages connected to each other in a revolute manner, wherein the plurality of linkages comprises at least one locking mechanism linkage (4) as claimed in claim 1.

10. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 7, wherein the circuit breaker comprises a latch system having a plurality of multifunctional locking linkages assembled by at least two drive shaft through pins and at least one lower link drive shaft pin, the at least one locking mechanism linkage (4) is mounted between two poles adjacent to at each of the one or more poles, wherein the axial movement between at least two poles is restricted by a flat surface of the at least one locking mechanism linkage (4) in contact with at least a pole surface and a translational movement of the one or more poles is restricted by three point contacts of the at least one locking mechanism linkage (4) with two through pin and one lower link drive shaft pin.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker, and more specifically relates to, an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker which enables it to make, carry and break current under normal circuit condition and also break during abnormal conditions and the locking mechanism which functions in the contact welding condition to represent true isolation condition.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Circuit Breaker is a mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents. Under normal circuit conditions it will make the circuit closed, carry current for a specified time and breaks the circuit under specified abnormal circuit conditions. Circuit breakers are employed for current interruption. More particularly circuit breakers are utilized to protect instruments from damage during adverse conditions prevailing during the operation of the circuit in which circuit breaker is employed. During adverse conditions like short circuit, over current or the current rises to an alarmingly high level. This high current may cause damage to the parts in the electrical system. Hence during these conditions the circuit has to be opened to protect the parts after the breaker
[0004] The circuit breaker can be manually opened and closed, as well as automatically opened to protect conductors or equipment’s from damage caused by excessive heating due to over current in abnormal conditions such as overload or short-circuit. The mechanism of the circuit breaker plays a vital role in determining the credibility of the breaker. A good mechanism should ensure quick and manually independent opening and closing of contact system. Five operations are to be performed by the Circuit Breakers mechanism. They are
1. ON
2. OFF
3. TRIP
4. TRIP FREE
5. RESET
6. True Isolation
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary mechanism 3 with cassette 2 and rotating shaft 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a mechanism assembly with structural. FIG.3 illustrates a mechanism assembly.
[0006] The first two operations are initiated by operator whereas the trip signal is given by the release which senses the abnormal conditions and gives TRIP command to the trip plate 158 link of mechanism 3, so that the latter opens the circuit. The Mechanism is an embodied structure which is held by multiple rivets and spacer pin 36. The operator has access to the mechanism through the knob which will be projected outwards from the housing of the breaker. The knob is placed over the fork of the operating mechanism. Conventional type Circuit Breakers will feature three positions in the top cover near the knob to show ON, OFF and TRIP. When the knob indicates ON it means the breaker is in ON condition i.e., the current path is closed. Similarly the position of the knob indicates the state of the circuit breaker. According to standards, the top position of the knob (if the breaker is placed vertically) or the longest distant position of the knob away from the operator (if the breaker is mounted horizontally) should be marked as ON POSITION. In ON condition the fork on which Knob is mounted is in contact with mechanism side plate structures at ON stopper 162. The main spring mounted in fork at 168 spring pin holder slot transfers its load to contact system via upper link lower link assembly which is pivoted at UL pivot pin 63 and stopped at ON stopper 67 with ON stopper pin 323. The other extreme end in both cases is marked as the OFF POSITION. The knob will be near the center (based on the design of the mechanism) to indicate the TRIP POSITION. As said above, TRIP command is given automatically to the contacts by the release if it senses an abnormal condition like overload and short circuit. If the trip signal is given, the breaker opens the circuit of moving 110 and fixed contact 120 and the knob goes to the trip position to show the operator that a fault has occurred in the system. Also an additional spring is mounted in for at biasing spring slot 165 to pull it in intended trip condition. In case of resetting knob 24 is manually guided towards OFF condition. Knob 24 is mounted in fork 18 by sliding it up to knob stopper feature 164. Fork is mounted in mechanism 3 by its pivot pin surface 161. This Feature avoids the slipping of knob on one side of mechanism while on other side due to Ingress protection cover and front cover knob slipping is protected. Knob should be able to indicate desired breaker condition, thus in TRIP condition the position of knob should be in center position. Mechanism Linkages are designed in such a way that the main spring 16 have to discharge its energy to rotate moving contact to trip condition as well as to position the knob in center position, thus an additional energy is provided by Fork Biasing spring 19 to bring knob at center position.
[0007] As the fork moves it guides the resetting pin 17 through resetting surface 171. The pin is assembled in latch link pivots 68. When the breaker is in unloaded condition of main spring 16, the resetting pin 17 assembly is done by inserting it in latch link holes 62 from either side where it adjusts on latch link with the stopper 173.When the breaker is in tripped condition the latch link will be pulled by main spring until it is at the Stopper surface 65. As the breaker is reseted from TRIP condition the fork guides the latch link 6 in its latch position through resetting surface 171 of pin 17. The resetting pin 17 rolls over the resetting profile 163 of fork. The pin is guided within the latch link by its slopping profile 172 and 173 as a stopper surface. This rolling motion not only reduced the resetting force but also increases wear resistance at fork and pin contact. As the fork guided the pin 17 further the latch link is pushed along with latch system on the latching surface 61 to its latch condition where they are engaged with 158 trip plate overlap. While resetting the mechanism the knob also resets thermal and magnetic release accessory by TMR resetter limb 169. The resetting pin 17 consist of conical sloping surface 172 which facilitates self-locking of resetting pin 17 with latch bracket tripping cam during ON, OFF and TRIP condition.
[0008] In case of Contact welded condition the breaker, it will not be able to switch the breaker to OFF condition as the knob will get stuck before the intended OFF condition when manual reset force is applied and once it is removed the knob will go back to its ON condition which is nothing but representation of TRUE ISOLATION.
[0009] Efforts have been made in related art to address above stated problem by using an operating mechanism for circuit breaker. An example of such operating mechanism for circuit breaker is recited in United States patent 6727788, entitled “Latch mechanism for a circuit breaker”. The patent discloses an apparatus for operating a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes housing, a cradle mounted in the housing and coupled to a handle and to a movable contact. The apparatus comprises a latch frame mounted in the circuit breaker housing. A latch roller is mounted on the cradle of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The latch roller is a single piece that spans the width of the cradle and seats underneath a surface of the latch member .The latch roller can be composed of metal, a composite material or a combination of metal and composite material. The latch roller can also be formed as an integral portion of the cradle. Note that the figures illustrate only one side of the cradle, an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. A latch member is configured to selectively engage the latch roller and is rotatably coupled to the latch frame with a latch pivot pin. When the current caring contacts are welded and the actuation frame is actuated to OFF condition, the rotation shaft will rotate only upto its degree of overtavel rotation. The actuating Frame consists and extended portion which will get stopped at rotation shaft. Thus this will prevent the rotation of actuation frame to OFF condition will indicate only ON condition that is True isolation condition of breaker. Another example of such operating mechanism for circuit breaker is recited in European patent 0342133B1, entitled “Operating mechanism for a miniature circuit breaker having a contact-welding indicator”. The patent discloses Operating mechanism for a miniature circuit breaker having a contact-welding indicator, where in the handle consists a protruded base which contacts the dis-closes a latching mechanism which includes a pair of cradles. Mechanism linkages are connected to the each cradle and these pair of cradle is connected to each other. Primary latch is engaged with the cradle. Edge surface is positioned generally at the portion of cradle in the range of contact with roller pin. A secondary latch element is engages the primary latch which being movable to move the primary latching mechanism. The mechanism according to the invention is characterized in that the lever of the stroke-limiting stop is fixed directly on a lever bracket secured insulating material to the contact arm, that the support lever is articulated on a pivot of a platinum rotatable, and that the stop cooperates in the intermediate position with a blocking nose projecting from the base of the joystick.
[00010] However, in the prior-art locking mechanism in contact welding condition, the usage of locking link is not mentioned. The constructional features of these prior art provides substantial low surface contact between moving contact shaft and actuating knob which constrains the knob movement when the moving and fix contacts are welded. Due to direct contact of fork and knob the crushing of either knob or shaft get crushed. Further, due to crushing of knob or shaft there is possibility that the knob remains in Trip condition so even though the contacts are locked the knob does not show True condition of breaker.
[00011] Whereas there is certainly nothing wrong with existing techniques or system, nonetheless, there still exists a need to provide an efficient, effective, reliable and improved operating mechanism of the circuit breaker which enables it to make, carry and break current under normal circuit condition and also break during abnormal conditions and the locking mechanism which functions in the contact welding condition to represent true isolation condition. Further, there exists a need of an external locking mechanism linkage for circuit breakers in which it aids the breaker to represents true condition of breaker in the contact weld condition.
[00012] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[00013] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[00014] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00015] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00016] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

SUMMARY
[00017] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker, and more specifically relates to, an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker which enables it to make, carry and break current under normal circuit condition and also break during abnormal conditions and the locking mechanism which functions in the contact welding condition to represent true isolation condition.
[00018] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism linkage diametrically mounted on at least one rotational shaft of a circuit breaker. The locking mechanism can be adapted to mechanically restrict movement of at least one knob of the circuit breaker using at least one stopper surface provided over a length on a surface of the locking mechanism linkage upon travel rotation of the at least one rotational shaft above a defined limit.
[00019] In an aspect, at least one stopper surface can include at least one protrusion on its extreme limits to mechanically restrict movement of the at least one knob.
[00020] In an aspect, at least one stopper surface is a flat surface. The locking mechanism linkage can restrict movement of the at least one knob when the flat surface of the at least one stopper surface is in contact with at least a surface of the at least one rotational shaft.
[00021] In an aspect, the locking mechanism linkage can include a first end and a second end separated by a pre-determined distance.
[00022] In an aspect, the locking mechanism linkage can be mounted on the at least one rotational shaft by passing at least one pin through each of one or more holes provided on each of said first end and said second end.
[00023] In an aspect, at least one stopper surface can attain a contact with the knob to restrict the movement of the knob upon over travel rotation of the at least one rotational shaft.
[00024] In an aspect, the knob can be placed over a fork of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker and the knob is projected outwards from a housing of the circuit breaker.
[00025] In an aspect, the knob can include a stopper surface to restrict lifting of the knob.
[00026] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker having one or more poles. The circuit breaker can include a plurality of linkages connected to each other in a revolute manner. The plurality of linkages can include at least one locking mechanism linkage.
[00027] In an aspect, the circuit breaker can include a latch system having a plurality of multifunctional locking linkages assembled by at least two drive shafts through pins and at least one lower link drive shaft pin. The locking mechanism linkage can be mounted between two poles adjacent to at each of the one or more poles, wherein the axial movement between at least two poles is restricted by a flat surface of the at least one locking mechanism linkage in contact with at least a pole surface and a translational movement of the one or more poles is restricted by three point contacts of the at least one locking mechanism linkage with two through pin and one lower link drive shaft pin.
[00028] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an operating mechanism used in switchgear applications using multiple or single poles. The operating mechanism can include plurality of linkages, a rotating member and a locking link. Plurality of linkages can be connected to each other in a revolute manner; at least one of these is connected to the rotating member. The locking link can be mounted diametrically on a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft can be designed with a stopper surface.
[00029] In an aspect, a latch system can include multifunctional locking linkages. The multifunctional locking linkage can be assembled by two drive shafts through pins and one lower link drive shaft pin. Total two locking links can be mounted between two poles adjacent to the pole caring main mechanism.
[00030] In an aspect, the axial movement in two poles can be restricted by is flat surface in contact with pole surface and translational movement is restricted by its three point contact with two through pin and one lower link drive shaft pin.
[00031] In an aspect, the stopper surface can come in contact with an actuating knob to constrain the further movement of a knob.
[00032] In an aspect, when the actuating knob is constrained by locking link. The actuation knob has stopper surface which can restrict any lifting of knob against main mechanism spring with further manual resetting force application.
[00033] In an aspect, the actuating knob can be stopped at mechanism mounting screws and stopper pin to restrict further lifting against the main spring.
[00034] In an aspect, after the removal of applied resetting force the mechanical linkages can pull to knob to its intended ON condition. Thus the representation of true isolation condition or true contact weld condition is achieved.
[00035] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00036] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00037] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary mechanism with cassette.
[00038] FIG. 2 illustrates a mechanism assembly with structural.
[00039] FIG. 3 illustrates a mechanism assembly.
[00040] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary a locking link, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00041] FIG. 5 illustrates a mechanism assembly in the ON condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00042] FIG. 6A-B illustrates a mechanism assembly in the OFF condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00043] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of the mechanism showing TRIP condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00044] FIG. 8 illustrates a true isolation condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00045] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary torsion springs left and right, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00046] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary resetting pin, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00047] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary fork, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00048] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00049] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00050] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00051] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00052] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00053] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00054] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00055] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker, and more specifically relates to, an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker which enables it to make, carry and break current under normal circuit condition and also break during abnormal conditions and the locking mechanism which functions in the contact welding condition to represent true isolation condition.
[00056] However, in the prior-art locking mechanism in contact welding condition, the usage of locking link is not mentioned. The constructional features of these prior art provides substantial low surface contact between moving contact shaft and actuating knob which constrains the knob movement when the moving and fix contacts are welded. Due to direct contact of fork and knob the crushing of either knob or shaft get crushed. Further, due to crushing of knob or shaft there is possibility that the knob remains in Trip condition so even though the contacts are locked the knob does not show True condition of breaker.
[00057] The present invention provides an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker which enables it to make, carry and break current under normal circuit condition and also breaks during abnormal conditions and the locking mechanism which functions in the contact welding condition to represent true isolation condition. The proposed invention provides an external locking mechanism linkage for circuit breakers in which it aids the breaker to represents true condition of breaker in the contact weld condition. The proposed invention provides a locking link which is mounted on breaker rotation shaft with three point contact. Unlike the prior design in which the moving contact shafts itself behaves as the locking link. Unlike the prior design, while actuating the knob to OFF condition, the actuating knob gets stopped at the locking link in the contact welded condition, and when left it is pulled back to the ON condition i.e. True condition by the main spring of mechanism linkages.
[00058] For the simplicity of understanding of the subject matter, following reference numerals are used for associated/corresponding feature/elements of the proposed mechanism:
1. Shaft
2. Contact system
3. Mechanism
4. Locking link
13. Lower link drive shaft pin
24. Operation knob
36. Spacer pin
158. Trip Plate
41. Locking link surface
42. Stopper/Reliever surface
43. LLDS Hole
44. Through pin Hole
16. Main spring
19. Biasing spring
17. Resetting Pin
18. Fork
101. Contacts
110. Moving Contact
120. Fixed Contact
322. LLDS hole
323. ON Stopper pin
12. Stopper pin
1612. Isolation Stopper surface
1611. Mounting hole stopper surface
1610. Positive Locking surface
61. Latch Link Latch Surface
62. Latch link holes
63. UL-Pivot pin
65. Latch link stopper
67. ON Stopper Surface
68. Latch Link Pivot
171. Resetting surface
172. Resetting pin Locking surface
173. Stopper surface
161. Fork Pivot Pin
162. ON Stopper
163. Resetting Surface
164. Knob stopper
165. Biasing spring slot
168. Spring Pin holder
169. TMR resetter surface
[00059] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary a locking link 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a mechanism assembly 3 in the ON condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A-B illustrates a mechanism assembly in the OFF condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of the mechanism showing TRIP condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a true isolation condition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary torsion springs left and right, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00060] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary resetting pin, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00061] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary fork, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00062] In an embodiment, the proposed invention of said mechanism 3 can include of latch system where in while resetting operation knob 24 is manually guided towards OFF condition. The knob 24 can be mounted in Fork 16 by sliding it upto a knob stopper feature 164. The knob stopper feature 164 can avoid the slipping of knob on one side of mechanism while on other side due to ingress protection cover and front cover knob slipping is protected. Knob can be able to indicate desired breaker condition, thus in TRIP condition the position of knob should be in center position. Mechanism linkages can be designed in such a way that the main spring 16 have to discharge its energy to rotate moving contact to trip condition as well as to position the knob in center position, thus an additional energy is provided by Fork Biasing spring 19 to bring knob at center position.
[00063] As shown in FIG. 8, in contact welded condition the moving and fix contacts can be welded where it will not move with respect to the command given by mechanism knob. The contacts 101 can be mounted in shaft 1 such that when the knob is actuated to OFF command, the mechanism main spring can try to rotate the shaft to its intended OFF condition. But due to welded condition the shaft will only move the given over travel rotation that mechanism gives. There is an additional link called locking link 4 which is mounted in shaft with breaker through pin at 44 holes and lower link drive shaft pin 13 at 43 holes where in the lower link drive shaft pin connects mechanism 3 with the drive shaft 1 at LLDC hole 322 to form the driving link and through pin connects all the shafted within cassettes 2. After the over travel rotation of shaft the locking link surface 41 can constrain the Fork 18 at 1610 surface as shown in FIG. 8. Further application of resetting force the knob cannot reach to its intended OFF condition and also the mechanism main spring cannot allow the mechanism linkages to cross the OFF dead center. Thus the Knob once left will come back to its original ON condition as shown in FIG. 5. Thus the requirement of representing true isolating condition or contact welding condition can be achieved by the locking link system. If further resetting force is applied to the breaker the knob can try to lift up against the main spring force but the Fork 18 can be constrain by 1611 surface on Mechanism mounting screw and stopper pin 12 at isolation stopper surface 1612 of fork 18 as shown in FIG. 8.
[00064] When the contacts are not in welding condition the breaker when switched to OFF condition from ON then the Mechanism linkages will pull the Shaft 1 to its intended OFF condition. The contacts can get separated and pull back to its intended OFF condition. The 18 fork is considered to be in OFF condition when it is stopped at the resetting pin 17 with its resetting profile 163.The resetting pin plays dual role of resetting the mechanism and acting as OFF stopper .When the fork 18 is actuated to OFF condition the locking link 4 which is mounted on shaft will also be switched to OFF condition as shown in FIG. 6. Thus the locking link cannot act in breakers normal level functioning as the fork positive locking surface 1610 with pass through the locking link stopper/reliever surface 42. It will only act in the contact welded condition. It may be appreciated that when the circuit breaker is operating normally and no contact locking condition has arrived. There is a reliever/stopper surface provided on locking link where in the fork stopper travels without locking or having physical interference.
[00065] In another embodiment, the locking mechanism in contact weld condition can primarily delivered by the use of diametrically mounted locking link with its surface 41 which will lock the fork 18 at its locking surface 1610 before it’s intended OFF condition.
[00066] The current invention to retain the mechanical linkages so as to deliver desired breaker requirements large energy is generated by using concentric extension springs. The current invention defines a way to represent True condition of contacts at breaker level by using a locking link 4 diametrically mounted on the breaker shaft1 which locks the Knob before it’s intended OFF condition as shown in FIG. 8. Unlike the prior design with the new locking link, there will not be in direct contact between the shaft and Knob. As the knob is resettled or switched to OFF condition the shaft can rotate only by the over travel rotation and the shaft will be locked. The locking link which is mounted on shaft will prevent the rotation of Knob to further OFF condition as shown in FIG. 8 and once the manual force is removed the mechanism linkages will pull the mechanism to its true ON condition as shown in FIG. 5.
[00067] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[00068] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.
[00069] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
[00070] In the description of the present specification, reference to the term "one embodiment," "an embodiments", "an example", "an instance", or "some examples" and the description is meant in connection with the embodiment or example described The particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic included in the present invention, at least one embodiment or example. In the present specification, the term of the above schematic representation is not necessarily for the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features structures, materials, or characteristics described in any one or more embodiments or examples in proper manner. Moreover, those skilled in the art can be described in the specification of different embodiments or examples are joined and combinations thereof.
[00071] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[00072] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[00073] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[00074] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.